ooo-wah!

i can't help it. i'm one of those aunties that always talks about her niece and all the cute things she does.. haha but really. she is a special, adorable, funny, and words-cant-even-describe-how-CUTE-she-is little girl!!!

so much has changed since the last time i saw her... here's a "little" bit about my amazingly gifted sweet niece esperanza! hehehe enjoy!

-she has long curly hair for a 1 year old (she definitely gets it from her mommy)
-she gives lots of "ooo-wahs" (open mouth kisses) to anyone and everyone... even without you asking for it sometimes! (if she's crying and you ask for a "ooo-wah" she'll stop crying to give you a kiss and then continue crying!! haha)
-she loves her little walker and even knows how to pick it up to turn it!
-she regularly pee's and poo's on the potty after nap and meal times
-when she's on the potty she likes to dance to music and make constipated faces
-she loves shrugging her shoulders up and down and just recently started batting her eyes with it too!
-she can whistle.. but that's old news ;)
-she has super BIG eyes and long eyelashes... i'm so jealous.
-she sleeps naps and night time in the pea pod i got for her (thanks m'lynn and robin for the idea!)
-the other day i was sitting with her outside and she gazed at the plants and then waved at them.
-she brings a TON of joy and energy to everyone around her!!

though i miss China, my students, team, apartment, Chinese food, teaching and everything about the past 4 years, i'm super thankful that i also get time to be at home with my family and especially seeing my niece grow up so much :)

just a few pics of espie :)

so this is it.

i've thrown away 7.9 bags worth of stuff/junk
i've given away another 5.6 bags worth of randomness (including new deodorant, floss, pictures from my apartment, american candy, and clothes that i can't take with me)
i've packed up 4 bags worth of winter gear, and future home stuff for when i return to china
i've packed up another 2 suitcases and a back pack of things to take with me back to america!


my apartment is pretty bare, empty, and pictureless.... VERY strange. i'm leaving an apartment that i've called home the past 2 years and a country that i've lived in, grew to love, and that's changed my life. thankfully, this isn't a total goodbye but more of a "see you in a year" kind of goodbye.

with all the dust flying around in my apartment i've caught a pretty bad head cold, not my ideal way of leaving but i know it's only through His strength that i'll be able to make it back in one piece! please think of me if you can!! thank you!